396 AMERICAN GAME BIRD SHOOTING 



ponds and by low, rounded hills, covered to the sum- 

 mit with the tapering firs. The lakelets are bright with 

 the white and yellow water-lilies ; between the summits 

 of the bold headlands along the coast glimpses are had 

 of the restless Atlantic. All these natural beauties, 

 combined with the excitement of the sport, furnish to 

 the lover of nature a day of rapturous enjoyment. 



It is a thrilling moment to the sportsman when, gun 

 in hand and dog at foot, he finds himself among the 

 partridge coverts. His faithful dog scents the game, 

 and every nerve in his frame quivers as, step by step, 

 he thoughtfully and cautiously advances toward the 

 unseen covey; then, suddenly pausing, the right fore 

 paw balanced lightly, and every limb and muscle tense 

 and rigid, the beautiful animal is at once transformed 

 into a marble statue. Presently a whirr is heard, and 

 with a loud ca, ca, ca, a magnificent old cock rises on 

 the wing. Crack goes the gun, and down tumbles the 

 great bird, the scarlet tips over his eyes glistening like 

 rubies, as with a thud that gladdens the sportsman's 

 heart he strikes the earth. Or perhaps a whole family 

 father, mother and children rises at once, and the 

 double barrels bang at them right and left, bringing 

 down two or three brace. 



At times a late covey is started, the chickens of which 

 are only two or three weeks old, just able to run smartly 

 along the ground. It is a touching sight then to see 

 the cock fearlessly exposing his life to save the lives 

 of his offspring. He tumbles along the ground a few 

 yards in advance of the dogs, rolling there in order 



